Finite-Element-Based Fatigue Crack Growth Simulation in Real Structures

摘要

In the following paper at first general concepts are introduced, which have to be considered for the accomplishment of a 3D fatigue crack propagation simulation by the FE-method in real structures. In doing so numerical aspects concerning the necessary mesh generation as well as fracture mechanical issues will be discussed. Furthermore the 3D crack simulation program ADAPCRACK3D, which has been developed at the Institute of Applied Mechanics at University of Paderborn, is presented in its general functionality. The simulation example of the crack propagation in a shutter ring of a hydraulic press shows the practical usability of both the implemented algorithms and fracture mechanical concepts.